Half-Banded Spiny Eel (Macrognathus circumcinctus) Care Guide
A small, peaceful spiny eel with distinctive dark vertical bands on the upper body. One of the best spiny eels for community aquariums due to its small size and gentle temperament.
Overview
Macrognathus circumcinctus is a species in the family Mastacembelidae. A small, peaceful spiny eel with distinctive dark vertical bands on the upper body. One of the best spiny eels for community aquariums due to its small size and gentle temperament. Buries itself in sand during the day and becomes active at night.
Taxonomy
- Family: Mastacembelidae
- Genus: Macrognathus
- Scientific name: Macrognathus circumcinctus
- Origin: Southeast Asia
Habitat
Macrognathus circumcinctus is a small spiny eel from slow streams, swamps and rice fields of Southeast Asia. It buries in fine substrate during the day and feeds nocturnally on small invertebrates and worms.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L
- Temperature: 23-28 °C
- pH: 6.5-7.5
- GH: 5-15 °dGH
- Water flow: low
- Adult size: 10-15 cm
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
- Difficulty: intermediate
Diet
Classified as carnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 1x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.
Compatibility
- Temperament: peaceful
- Position in tank: bottom
- Compatible tank mates: Corydoras, Tetras, Rasboras, Gouramis
- Avoid with: Aggressive Fish, Very Small Fish
Breeding
- Breeding strategy: egg-layer
- Breeding difficulty: advanced